King Lear

Synopsis: Shortened version of the play adapted for television. Transmitted live in the Omnibus slot, the production was filmed on a circular set with two cameras that travelled around the perimeter. Reviews note innovative camerawork, awkward blocking and over-crowded scenes resulting in a stangely static production, ill-suited to the small screen, which sacrificed key lines of the text to showy visuals. The Gloucester sub-plot was cut. Staged by Peter Brook.
Series: Omnibus (Us Series)
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Television
Year of release: 2010
Notes: Included in ORSON WELLES COLLECTION (1946) and sold on DVD under that title.
Released as a standalone DVD in January 2010. Extras include an extract from a the Omnibus episode 11/10/1953 in which Alistair Cooke talks to Brook and composer Virgil Thomson, a 16-page booklet which features Brook’s recollections of the production and notes by Welles’ biographer Simon Callow.
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)
Related items: Omnibus [11/10/1953]

Director

Andrew McCullough

Producer

Cinematographer

Writer

Music

Contributor

Cast

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British Universities Film & Video Council